Citizens relive memories by visiting Central Market

Citizens rushed into the 82-year-old Central Market as it soft opened this afternoon after three years of revitalization work.

A 76-year-old woman who used to buy food in the market said it used to be in very poor condition and that she was very happy to see it reopen with a nicer look.

Another citizen who lives in the New Territories said he used to pass by the market from time to time. He added that he decided to visit today, knowing the historical building has been conserved. 

The revitalized Central Market is no longer a traditional market, but a multipurpose building that houses not only restaurants and retailers, but also exhibitions, performances, open spaces and a special area for startups.

The market retains its facade facing Jubilee Street and Queen Victoria Street, as well as 13 old market stalls that once sold poultry, seafood and vegetables. 

There are public walkways, which are open 24 hours, on the second floor that link to the Central escalator network. 

The historic main staircase has been recreated with traditional washing and polishing plastering techniques to maintain its traditional look. Handrails have also been enrolled. 

The market was out of service for 18 years since 2003. It was handed over to the Urban Renewal Authority in 2009 and began revitalization works that begin in 2017 and cost more than HK$500 million. 

The operator, Chinachem Group, said that out of the 100 leased spaces, 70 percent are for retail and 30 percent are for food and beverage. The occupancy rate for the first phase is about 80 percent. 

The second phase, including the redesign of the facade facing Des Voeux Road Central, is expected to complete in the third quarter of next year at the earliest.